Protecting Your Outdoor Heat Pump For The Winter | Read More
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Unfortunately, you can’t plan when your heater or air conditioner will break down. In the midst of a heat wave or winter chill, you may need a new air conditioning unit or furnace right away. Fortunately, Iceberg Heating & Cooling offers 24/7 emergency service to Monroe and the surrounding Southeast Michigan communities. Call our Comfort Specialists at (734) 342-3420 right away, and we will dispatch an expert technician to your home within an hour of your emergency request.
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Protecting Your Outdoor Heat Pump for the Winter

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Winter in Michigan is close, but our hands are closer to the heater. Since a heater’s functionality is to provide warmth, it becomes essentially one of the family throughout our winters. A home can have different types of heaters for their HVAC system, but today Iceberg Heating & Cooling is focusing on the heat pump. Heat pumps are a type of heater that uses electricity to convert cold air to hot – and vice versa. They are an effective way to warm up a home without burning energy through a furnace and driving up the bill. While a heat pump can be installed both inside and outside a home – the location often depends on available space. If you are a homeowner with an outdoor unit (also called a mini split), the Michigan weather can wreak havoc on your system. A mix of snow, ice, and freezing winds can cause some significant setbacks to both your unit and your heating. We at Iceberg Heating & Cooling know outdoor heat pumps require some precautions for the cold, so we have gathered some essential information to help keep yours safe and working at maximum efficiency.

Remove Snow and Ice

  • A heat pump’s design makes it easy for water to freeze in and around it.
  • Snowy days mean your heat pump also gets layers of snow resting on the roof and around the coils.
  • For a heat pump to work properly, you must keep ice and snow from covering it.
  • Turn off all power to the heat pump using the connected circuit breakers.
  • Using gloves, wipe off all snow from the heat pump using your hand.
  • Do not use any scrapers or other tools on your heat pump, as this damages the unit.
  • Make sure to check your heat pump regularly for ice and snow.

Clear Out the Heat Pump

  • Freezing winds and storms cause leaves and litter to scatter, which can sometimes lodge inside your heat pump.
  • Make sure the power is off to your heat pump.
  • Remove all the dirt, leaves, and other debris from the heat pump by using a Shopvac and your hands.
  • Keep the heat pump’s area clear of debris for ample functionality, and check it regularly for additional build-up.
  • If you are unsure about cleaning the inside of your heat pump, contact Iceberg for guidance.

Cover the Heat Pump

  • Stop snow and debris covering your heat pump by covering it yourself.
  • You can buy outdoor covers from a home improvement store. These covers are designed for protection – and maximum airflow.
  • With a little ingenuity, you can also build a shelter or permanent roof yourself. Plastic PVC piping, wood, and wire can be used to make a shelter, but be mindful of the dimensions of your mini split – and the amount of space necessary to ensure it functions properly.
  • Lattices also work well to barricade the walls of your heat pump, and their holes give the unit room to breathe.

Get Heat Pump Maintenance

  • Protecting your heat pump is important, but maintaining it is essential.
  • Having an HVAC contractor perform maintenance on your heat pump will prevent malfunction and prolong its lifespan.
  • Iceberg provides affordable heat pump maintenance services at an affordable cost and will ensure functionality throughout the unforgiving Michigan winter.
Protect your mini split heat pump and enjoy the warmth and comfort you deserve this winter. If you are experiencing unfavorable results from your heat pump, or need maintenance done, Iceberg Heating & Cooling is ready to take care of it!


Since 1998, we have been the premium HVAC company for our Michigan neighbors. Serving the community throughout Southeast Michigan in Ann Arbor, Monroe, and Canton. Call us at 734-342-3420 to schedule an appointment and prepare for the winter!

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